Owner/s

Organisation Name

Owner Category

Date Ownership Updated

Attorney General's Department

State Government

Statement of significance:

Cowra Courthouse has been associated with the provision of law and justice in the region since 1880 and dates from a key period of expansion of a major public works program in New South Wales during the last three decades of the nineteenth century. The building is an good, representative example of country courthouses in New South Wales and is a good example of popular architectural styles adapted for the local climate. Cowra Courthouse features dark red brick with contrasting cement moulding details and is located on a prominent corner in the town.

Date significance updated: 01 Jul 02

Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the OEH copyright and disclaimer.

New entrance added 1892.
The interiors also appear to have been renovated at a later date. (Schwager Brooks 1993)

Current use:

Courthouse

Former use:

Courthouse

History

Historical notes:

The Cowra Courthouse was designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet and was opened in 1880.

An earlier courthouse had been in use in Cowra prior to the construction of the current courthouse in 1880. Following the completion of the current courthouse, it was suggested that the old courthouse be used as a post and telegraph office. Tenders were called for the construction of the current courthouse in 1879.

The new courthouse was opened in August 1880 by the Hon HE Baker and the local member Mr Lynch. However it appears that the courthouse was not completed at this stage, as tenders were called for its completion in 1881 following requests made by Mr Lynch. Further additions were made to the courthouse in 1882.

In 1892, major alterations were undertaken to the façade of the building. These were designed by the Colonial Architect Walter Liberty Vernon

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)

New South Wales theme

Local theme

4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities

Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages

-

7. Governing-Governing

Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)[Historical significance]

Cowra Courthouse has been associated with the provision of law and justice in the region since 1880. The building dates from a key period of expansion of a major public works program in New South Wales during the last three decades of the nineteenth century.

SHR Criteria b)[Associative significance]

Cowra Courthouse is associated with two government architects: James Barnet, Colonial Architect of New South Wales from 1862-1890, and Walter Liberty Vernon, Government Architect of New South Wales from 1890-1911.

SHR Criteria c)[Aesthetic significance]

Cowra Courthouse is a fine country courthouse constructed of dark red brick with contrasting cement moulding details. The building demonstrates technical features associated with adapting European architectural styles to the local climate, featuring deep verandahs and upper-storey ventilation.
Cowra Courthouse is located on a prominent corner in the town.

SHR Criteria d)[Social significance]

Cowra Courthouse is likely to have significance for the local community as a long-standing civic institution of the town.

SHR Criteria g)[Representativeness]

Cowra Courthouse is a representative example of country courthouses in New South Wales. The building displays the principal characteristics of the standard courthouse plan, with a grand double-height central court room and single storey wings on either side.